{"id":260,"date":"2022-09-19T17:57:44","date_gmt":"2022-09-19T17:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/?p=260"},"modified":"2022-09-19T17:57:44","modified_gmt":"2022-09-19T17:57:44","slug":"balayage-vs-ombre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/balayage-vs-ombre\/","title":{"rendered":"Balayage vs. Ombr\u00e9: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever look in the mirror and think, \u201cI\u2019m ready for a whole new look\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of us answer the call with a fresh chop or switching up our hair color<\/a>. Year after year, two of the biggest color trends are balayage and ombr\u00e9. Both color trends are beautiful, but salon customers often confuse the techniques because they look so similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might wonder what the difference is between balayage vs. ombr\u00e9, since they seem alike. However, both styles have their differences. Knowing the differences in these techniques can help you decide which one is right for you.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main differences between balayage vs. ombr\u00e9<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Balayage is where a stylist paints the surface of the hair with a lightening formula to naturally incorporate color throughout the hair. Lowlights can also be added with balayage to better blend the hair. This creates a natural gradient throughout the hair. On the other hand, ombr\u00e9 blends dark-colored hair into light hair or vice versa for a two-toned appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both the balayage and ombr\u00e9 coloring techniques require your stylist to hand-paint highlights in your hair. Depending on the hairstylist applying your color, an ombr\u00e9 can be less dramatic and may look more like a balayage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two styles get confused when hairstylists blend the techniques together. However, according to the definitions of the styles, an ombr\u00e9 should have more contrast than a balayage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below we go into more detail on each styling technique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"stylist<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is a balayage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like most chic things, these color trends are rooted in France. Balayage<\/a> (pronounced: bal-yee-ahhge) is French for \u201cto sweep.\u201d When applying balayage, the stylist will sweep the color onto the hair and form a gradient highlight from top to bottom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all of your ends will be touched by the hair color during a balayage. The transition from dark to light should be gradual and natural-looking, as if your hair was highlighted by the sun. Balayage can cost<\/a> between $70 and $460.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of balayage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The balayage technique will give your hair a natural and sun-kissed look. No matter what color your natural hair is, a balayage will add dimension to your hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The highlights in a balayage will mix in with your natural color, and passersby may not be able to tell that your hair color is artificial! The balayage style also won\u2019t require frequent touch-ups<\/a> since your highlights will blend in well with the rest of your hair.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is ombr\u00e9?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ombr\u00e9 (pronounced: ohm-bray) is French for \u201cshadow.\u201d When creating an ombr\u00e9, your stylist will leave the top of your hair dark and apply highlights to almost all of your ends. Although your hair stylist will paint on your highlights gradually, the ombr\u00e9 has a dramatic contrast and two-toned highlight effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of ombr\u00e9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An ombr\u00e9 will make a statement and can highlight the waves or curls at the ends of your hair. Because the top of your hair will remain dark, you won\u2019t need to go to the salon to re-dye your roots. Unlike a balayage that has a more subtle feel to it, an ombr\u00e9 is a more dramatic look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balayage vs. ombr\u00e9 side by side<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re having a hard time choosing between the two coloring techniques, it can be helpful to see both styles side by side. If you\u2019re still torn, a good stylist can help blend both techniques for a fresh look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"side-by-side<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other coloring techniques you can try<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A sombr\u00e9 is a \u201csoft ombr\u00e9\u201d for those who like the ombr\u00e9 technique but think a regular ombr\u00e9 is too dramatic in contrast. A sombr\u00e9 requires less maintenance than an ombr\u00e9 because the highlights will be more subtle than a traditional ombr\u00e9. A sombr\u00e9 is great for those who are new to ombr\u00e9 hair and want to do some experimenting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also try babylights, which are light and subtle highlights to finer sections of your hair, to brighten up your look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to care for your color-treated hair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you go for a balayage or an ombr\u00e9, it\u2019s essential to take care of your newly colored hair if you want healthy locks that feel and look great. The best way to take care of your hair is to use products made from quality ingredients. You\u2019ll also want to keep an eye out for certain ingredients to avoid in your hair products. Investing time into hair care can make the cost of these highlights<\/a> worth it in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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